Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Great Photos as Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 Departs Rockhampton Airport for Darwin and Singapore

On Thursday 13 November, the visiting Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 was photographed as it departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin and then Singapore as ADB3997.

As posted below, it arrived the previous day from Colombo in Sri Lanka and was loaded with the four visiting Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache Helicopters that had been deployed to Rockhampton Airport for the now completed Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25).

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by ‘IAD’ and Jimmy Scaboo  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124 UR-82008 Arrives into Rockhampton Airport to take The RSAF AH-64D Apache Helicopters Home!

On Wednesday 12 November, Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 arrived into Rockhampton Airport, flying in direct from Colombo as 'ADB397F'.

The massive Antonov taxied in and parked on Gate 6 on the southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron.

Soon after, the Antonov was lowered into its unique kneeling position and the front then opened. It was to load the four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters in preparation for their delivery home to Singapore.

The Apaches have been in Rocky to take part in the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25). As we have posted previously, they have been completing regular sorties to and from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  Their serial numbers were believed to be 064, 058, 056 and 069.

With loading complete, UR-82008 was closed up and prepared to stay for the night at Rockhampton Airport with a departure listed to Darwin and then Singapore early on Thursday 13 November.

UPDATE!  Indeed early on Thursday 13 November, AN124 UR-82008 departed Rockhampton Airport to Darwin and Singapore as ADB3997 - see Blog post above!

With all the helicopters and aircraft now gone from Rockhampton and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) this sees the end of Exercise Wallaby 2025 - bring on 2026!

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Scott H and Steve V for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov!

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Steve Vit  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - A Pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '731' & '735' Call into Rockhampton Airport - AGAIN!

On Tuesday 11 November, and for the second week in-a-row, a pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft arrived into Rockhampton Airport. They were identified as '731' and '735' and flew together across from Darwin as SAF9576 and SAF9577 respectively. They had both arrived into the Top End from Singapore the previous day.

Then on Wednesday 12 November, both Hercs were photographed (above) departing Rockhampton Airport where they headed back to Darwin with the plan to return to Singapore the next day.

Of interest, the Hercs are two of six C-130H aircraft which are flown by the RSAF's 122 Squadron 'Condors' based at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in Singapore. The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - A Pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transport Aircraft '731' & '735' Call into Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 4 November, a pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft arrived into Rockhampton Airport. They were identified as '731' and '735' and flew together across from Darwin as SAF9574 and SAF9575 respectively.  They had both arrived into the Top End from Singapore the previous day.

Then on Wednesday 5 November, both Hercs were photographed departing Rockhampton Airport where they headed back to Darwin with the plan to return to Singapore the next day.

Of interest, the Hercs are two of six C-130H aircraft which are flown by the RSAF's 122 Squadron 'Condors' based at the Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in Singapore.  The squadron goes by the motto of "Dependable".

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local aviation photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB First Visit This Year as V8-DLA and V8-DLD Return to Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 3 November, what we believe were the final heavy jet passenger flights in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25) took place with a pair of Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners calling into Rockhampton Airport - including one for the first time during the entire exercise making all five of the fleet to visit in 2025!

B787-8 Dreamliner V8-DLB was spotted making its first appearance into Rockhampton Airport in 2025, arriving from Brunei as RBA4295 and then departing to Singapore's Changi Airport and then back to Brunei as RBA4296/8.

Also visiting on Monday was V8-DLA which arrived from Singapore as RBA4283 and also departed to Singapore and Brunei but as RBA4284/6.

V8-RBA also visited Rockhampton Airport from Singapore on Saturday 1 November as RBA4279/80 and Sunday 2 November as RBA4281/2 after starting this final 'wave' of flights on Friday - as posted below!

On Saturday 1 November, V8-DLD returned to Rockhampton Airport for its final visit, touching down from Singapore as RBA4291 and departing to Singapore and Brunei as RBA4292/4.  It too had initially visited on Friday.

That now sees the end of the passenger charter flights in support of Exercise Wallaby 2025 with only the Antonov AN-124 set to return in the coming days to collect the four The Republic of Singapore Air FOrce (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters.

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C/D+ (F-16C/D Block 52+ Version) Fighting Falcon Jets - Plus Airbus A330-MRTT '765' - And Lockheed C-130H Hercules '730' - All Depart Rockhampton Airport For Good!

On Monday 3 November, most of the participating Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft departed Rockhampton Airport for good following their participation in the latest iteration of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25).

After arriving the previous afternoon from Darwin, RSAF Airbus A330-243 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft '765' departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin again as 'SAF8542'.

It went shortly before the four RSAF General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16C/D+ (F-16C/D Block 52+ Version) Fighting Falcon jets which also departed Rockhampton Airport also to Darwin.

The four F-16s - serials 637, 620, 615 and 629 - are believed to be flown by the RSAF's 140th Squadron "Osprey" and took to the air again using the ferrying flight callsigns of 'SAF3511A-D'.

Lastly, RSAF Lockheed C-130H transport aircraft '730', which had been deployed to Rockhampton Airport for most of the Exercise and completed multiple daily flights to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back to Rockhampton Airport, also departed to Darwin but as 'SAF9572'.

At the time of writing, it is believed that all these aircraft will depart Darwin as early as tomorrow to head back to Singapore.

UPDATE!  After a technical hitch which saw the RSAF F-16s and A330-MRTT return to Darwin, they all eventually left Darwin and returned to Singapore by the end of the week.

While these aircraft all departed Rockhampton Airport, the four RSAF Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters were moved from their parking position beside Runway 04/22 to the Alliance Airlines hangar where they will have their rotor blades and other components removed in preparation for uplift and transport back to Singapore. 

It is expected that an Antonov AN-124 cargo plane will touch down at Rockhampton Airport either over this coming weekend or early next week.

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters at Rockhampton Airport for allowing us to share these great photos!

Photos taken by Steve Vit and 'IAD'  ©

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Airbus A330-MRTT '765’ Calls into Rockhampton Airport as Exercise Wallaby 2025 Draws to a Close

On Sunday 2 November, The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Airbus A330-243 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft '765' arrived from Darwin as 'SAF8542'.  It had arrived in the top end from Singapore a couple of days prior.

 

It is believed that the A330-MRTT has arrived into Rockhampton Airport in preparation for the departure of participating aircraft and helicopters as The Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25) draws to a close.

The A330-MRTT appears to be staying for the night with information suggesting it will be departing back to Darwin early on Monday 3 November, in company with the four RSAF General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16C/D+ (F-16C/D Block 52+ Version) Fighting Falcon jets, on the first leg of their journey home to Singapore.

The A330-MRTT is one of six flown by the RSAF's 112 Squadron, whose motto is 'Determined To Deliver'.  

The RSAF A330-MRTT aircraft, like the RAAF's KC-30A's, can conduct air-to-air refuelling and airlift roles simultaneously.

UPDATE!  Early on Monday 3 November, the RSAF A330-MRTT '765' departed Rockhampton Airport back to Darwin again as 'SAF8542' - and with the RSAF F-16 jets in tow! - see Blog post above!

All photos taken by Michael Gaskin  ©

The SIX Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Depart from Rockhampton Airport as Exercise Wallaby 2025 Draws to a Close

On Sunday 2 November, the six Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters departed Rockhampton Airport for good as the Singapore Armed Forces' Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25) quickly draws to a close.

They departed as two spectacular flights of four and then two helicopters in quick succession from Rockhampton Airport and 'Warriors Camp' back direct to their base at Oakey. They were heard to use the radio callsigns of "Celtic" and then "Concorde".

Meanwhile, the four RSAF Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters have been moved into the Alliance Airlines hangar at Rockhampton Airport where they have had their blades and other components removed in preparation for airlift out of Rockhampton Airport with an Antonov AN124 expected to touch down at Rockhampton Airport soon to fly them back to Singapore.

File photos  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners V8-DLA and V8-DLD Both Call into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 31 October, two Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft called into Rockhampton Airport to transport personnel and equipment out of Rocky as the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25) quickly draws to a close.

After not being seen for a little while, Dreamliner V8-DLA returned to Rockhampton Airport, touching down direct from Brunei as RBA4277.  It later departed to Singapore's Changi Airport as RBA4278.

Later, fellow Dreamliner V8-DLD also returned to Rockhampton Airport, also from Brunei but as RBA4289 before it later too departed to Changi but as RBA4290.

Both V8-DLA and V8-DLD are expected to return to Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 1 November with more visits expected the couple of days following.

This will then see the conclusion of final 'wave' of passenger charter flights supporting Exercise Wallaby 2025.

The next significant movement expected into Rockhampton Airport after this would be the return of the Antonov AN-124 to collected the four The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters.

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

File photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners V8-DLC and V8-DLE Call into Rockhampton Airport Yet Again!

On Wednesday 22 October, the two Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft - V8-DLE and V8-DLC - both called into Rockhampton Airport yet again transporting personnel and equipment in and of Rocky in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25).

V8-DLE arrived from Brunei and Singapore as RBA4273/4. It then departed back to Brunei direct as RBA4275.

And V8-DLC visited on Tuesday 21 October, arriving from Brunei and Singapore before departing back to Singapore's Changi Airport as RBA4267/8/9.  On Wednesday 22 October, it once again arrived from Singapore and then departed to Brunei direct as well but as RBA4270/1.

These visits seem to be a 'one off' and there are no further visits by Royal Brunei Dreamliners - or any other heavy jets - for the time being!

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

File photo taken by John Lee  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners V8-DLC and V8-DLE Call into Rockhampton Airport Again and Again and Again!

As mentioned below, all this week, two Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft - V8-DLE and V8-DLC - have both called into Rockhampton Airport each day transporting personnel and equipment in and of Rocky in support of the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25).

On Wednesday 15 October, V8-DLC visited Rockhampton Airport from Singapore's Changi Airport as RBA4249/4250.  V8-DLE visited from Changi but as RBA4257/8.

On Thursday 16 October, VH-DLC arrived from Changi as RBA4251 but then departed back to Changi and onwards to Brunei as RBA4252/4.  V8-DLE visited from Changi as RBA4259/60.

On Friday 17 October, only V8-DLE visited Rockhampton Airport arriving from Changi as RBA4261 and departing back there and then Brunei as RBA4262/4.

And with that, this rather large wave of personnel and equipment movements comes to a close.

File photo taken by Darren Massie  ©

Exercise Wallaby 2025 - The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C/D Block 52 Version+ Fighting Falcon Jets Take to the Air From Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

After almost a week of R&R, on Thursday 16 October, three of the four The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16C/D+ (F-16C/D Block 52+ Version) Fighting Falcon jets took to the air for the first time since arriving into Rockhampton Airport to participate in the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25). 

During the morning and again the afternoon, the three F-16s flew as 'SAF3511' from Rocky down to RAAF base Amberley and back on a diversion training flight.

It is expected that proper sorties as a part of Exercise Wallaby 2025 should start in the coming days.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 16 October, and about at the same time as the F-16 flights, the RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '730' completed yet more sorties to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from and back to Rockhampton Airport again as "RIDER18/28/38".

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©